The fishing village of Mevagissey and the still smaller haven of Gorran are the very essence of a Cornwall which has remained true to its roots and embraced change only slowly. Both names belong to 6th century Irish missionaries. Mevagissey's labyrinth of tiny streets twist and turn past ancient dwarf buildings of cob and slate but inexorably for the twin harbours which are its nerve centre, a place to watch the fisherman land their catch and mend their nets as they have since John Trewollas built the first pier in 1430.

By the 19th century, the most important catch was pilchard, some 40 million a year were salted in special cellars you can still see and packed into barrels for export to France and Italy. Earlier still, some of the crew doubled as smugglers or privateers, but today their secondary role is to introduce visitors to inshore fishing for mackerel or deep-sea shark-hunts. The full range of fish in local waters can be seen at the Aquarium, converted from the old lifeboat house

Mevagissey is renowned for the soaring switchback walks that whet the appetite for its seafood or help to walk it off. From Polkirt Hill you can look out over the Medieval street plan, the fishing boats in the harbour and the yachts in the pool, to the golden sweep of Polstreath Beach and St Austell Bay or south to the inlet that shelters Portmellon Beach and to the scenic coastal path over Chapel Point to Gorran Haven. Less than three miles separate the two, but the contrast is sharp. Mevagissey is a working harbour, Gorran Haven a small picturesque anchorage, dozing on its sandy beach in the lee of the spectacular 400 foot high Dodman Point. Good swimming and snorkelling are its assets with, for sailors, a protective hard. Visit the distinctive landmark of its 15th century church with 110 foot tower or simply enjoy the quiet and privacy. To the west of Gorran Haven you will find Caerhays Castle, beach and gardens. Caerhays beach is sheltered with golden sand, beach cafe and ample car parking. The gardens are open, in the spring, to the public. Caerhays Castle, is owned by the Williams family is in a sheltered valley overlooking Porthluney Cove. The surrounding parkland and woodland gardens were created originally from the discoveries of the plant hunters in China shortly after the turn of the 20th century. Since then a great deal of hybridisation work has taken place at Caerhays to create the extensive woodland gardens which visitors can enjoy today.

Stepping outside the Estuary presents the walker, sailor and holidaymaker alike with a very wide choice of both man made entertainment and the natural beauty of the county, from the rugged north coast with its surfing beaches to the much softer south coast with its small sandy coves. Eating out can range from a gourmet meal in one of the many first class restaurants that the county has to offer to local ale and a pasty in a sleepy Cornish country pub. For the children there is the excitement of Flambards Adventure Park, Dobwalls Theme Park with its famous miniature train rides and the magnificent shire horses at the Shires Adventure Park. The North Cornwall coast with its sandy surfing beaches and the cathedral city of Truro are all within easy reach Another popular event is the Par Carnival where children and adults dress up in Fancy Dress - so come along and take part. For more information and dates just add it to the enquiry form.